USC sophomore wide receiver Darreus Rogers admitted Tuesday he is spurred on by the fact he will not start Saturday’s game against Fresno State at the Coliseum.

Rogers entered training camp as the Trojans’ No. 2 wide receiver but is currently listed behind No. 1 receiver Nelson Agholor. The surprise is that George Farmer is listed as the other starter at receiver.

“It is motivating me, without a doubt,” Rogers said. “I could start next week. I know whoever starts, I’ll play a lot of downs.”

USC coach Steve Sarkisian said he requires a lot of players to run his no-huddle offense, which could put a strain on the Trojans, who are down to about 64 healthy scholarship players.

“The pace we operate at, we need a lot of guys to play,” Sarkisian said. “We’re going to go fast and everyone is going to play.”

Healthy Davis a must

With only two healthy scholarship tailbacks (Javorius Allen, Justin Davis), it is important for Davis to stay healthy. The sophomore fractured an ankle last season and sprained an ankle during training camp.

“We’re going to be playing a lot and need to be in the greatest shape,” Davis said.

Whenever he gets his first carry, Davis admitted he would be nervous.

“I’m nervous every game,” he said. “I’ve been nervous since Pop Warner in sixth grade. Nervous is a good thing. I look at it as a positive. I stay on my toes at all times.”

Hidden talent

USC freshman slotback Ajene Harris said he is not surprised he is listed as a starter at the position. But others are when you consider the high-profile recruits USC signed at the position, like Adoree Jackson. Harris was just a three-star recruit at Crenshaw High School of Los Angeles who played quarterback.

“They told me the job was open, you just gotta go get it,” Harris said. “Everybody in my class was a great player but I wasn’t (intimidated).”

Kessler clean-shaven

USC quarterback Cody Kessler said he is ready for the season after getting a haircut and shaving his three-week-old beard.